[ljsocal]

Use the side of a large knife to mash whole garlic cloves. The skin will easily separate and the clove will be ready to cook or chop.

[jillesvangurp]

This will easily break the clove. Ok if you are going for finely chopped but less nice if you need thin slices. Another way is to roll the clove between your hands for a few seconds. Trim the top and bottom off, roll, peel.

Also if you use a garlic press, there's no need to peel. Actually it's easier to clean the pres if you don't.

[vram22]

> Another way is to roll the clove between your hands for a few seconds. Trim the top and bottom off, roll, peel.

Yes, that works. You have to press the garlic hard while rolling it, though, more so if it is older and drier.